Jewish History
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Who are the Sages and Chazal?
Who and what are the Jewish sages? Answer: When we speak of our “Sages” we are referring to the great rabbis of previous generations. These rabbis were not like the rabbis of today. Today we have to struggle to understand…
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“Brothers” and “Sisters”
Does the Bible ever use the word “brother” or “sister” for more distant relatives? Answer: Nieces and nephews were definitely sometimes called brothers and sisters. For example, Lot was Abraham’s nephew and Sarah was his niece (based on identifying Yiscah…
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Abraham Taking Lot with Him
When Abraham left his father’s house, was he allowed to take his nephew Lot with him? Answer: Abraham was told in Gen.12:1 to leave his land, his MOLEDES, and his father’s house. It’s possible to translate MOLEDES (from the root…
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Beginning of Idolatry
How and when did idolatry start? Answer: Since there are many ways to define idolatry, I could come up with a variety of answers. I could say that idolatry began the first time someone knowingly acted against the will of…
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Brief Summary of Jewish History
How did Judaism start? Answer: The following is a brief overview of the history of Judaism: ABRAHAM: FATHER OF MONOTHEISM: Abraham was born in 1812 BCE in the city of Ur in Ancient Mesopotamia. According to Jewish tradition, he spent…
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Literacy at the Time of the Patriarchs
In the time of Abraham did people read and write and if so who? What was the level of education for a poor 15 year old girl? Answer: Historically very few women were literate before the last 200 years. It…
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Communal Offerings and Synagogue Dedications
In Numbers, ch.28, the laws of the Mussaf offerings [a form communal sacrifices] are discussed. How were the animals, flour, oil, and wine paid for? From Temple funds, or did people ‘bid’ on them, as many congregations do today for…
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Date of Purim
Do we celebrate Purim on the date that victory was declared in the Jewish war against their Persian enemies? When did the war commence and what was the war’s duration? Answer: The war was fought on the 13th of the…
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Egyptian Magic
How were the Egyptian magicians able to duplicate the first two plagues? Answer: The classical commentaries had no problem with the Egyptian magicians being able to duplicate the first two plagues, because they accepted the existence of demons and magic…